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July 26, 2004 Page 579 <br /> <br />research, the Task Force found Cabarrus County would qualify for <br />very few, if any, funds due to the County's high-tier status. <br /> <br />(2) Ignorance. Solution: <br /> education. <br /> <br />Ignorance can only be cured through <br /> <br />Provide books, tapes and materials with topics that range from <br />bite prevention and safety, pet overpopulation problems to career <br />books to every public school and library in Cabarrus County at a <br />cost of under $15,000.00. The cost would include flyers and <br />announcements in several languages promoting the auxiliary <br />spay/neuter program and the problem regarding pet overpopulation. <br />Flyers and printed material could be dispersed at countywide, low <br />cost rabies clinics and micro-chipping clinics. <br /> <br />(3) <br /> <br />Lack of concern or disregard for the laws: Solution: Ongoing <br />shaping of a permanent solution through a Task Force Committee <br />and education through the Sheriff's department. <br /> <br />The Sheriff's Department has discussed printing a booklet to <br />explain Animal Control procedures covering civil remedies and <br />animal issues. <br /> <br />The Task Force proposes a permanent task force be set up to <br />bridge solutions to the root causes of pet overpopulation (i.e. <br />backyard breeders, animal collectors, feral cats, poor pet <br />containment choices, etc.). Also, to address other future county <br />animal welfare issues such as local and national disaster <br />emergency planning efforts. <br /> <br />The committee's purposes are outlined as follows: <br /> (1) Review current operations of Cabarrus County Animal <br /> Control; <br />(2) Provide educational materials in several languages to the <br /> Cabarrus County residents on Spay/Neuter, proper feeding, <br /> housing and healthcare for pets; <br /> (3) Establish a protocol for the availability for low cost <br /> spaying and neutering of pets belonging to indigent <br /> residents of Cabarrus County <br /> <br />The Task Force suggests a committee to be made up of the <br />following persons: <br /> <br />(1) One (1) elected member of the Cabarrus County Commissioners <br /> - Term 2 years; <br />(2) One (1) employed officer of the Cabarrus County Animal <br /> Control - Term 2 years; <br />(3) One (1) licensed Veterinarian residing in Cabarrus County - <br /> Term 2 years; <br />(4) Four (4) at-large members who are involved in one of the <br /> recognized humane animal organizations in Cabarrus County - <br /> Term for two (2) members two (2) years and term for <br /> remaining two (2) members one (1) year. <br /> <br />Committee members are to be appointed by the Board of County by <br />their current procedures. <br /> <br />The committee is to meet quarterly (monthly when needed) to <br />discuss issues relating to the preservation and welfare of the <br />pet population of Cabarrus County and would report annually with <br />recommendations to the County Commissioners. <br /> <br />In conclusion, Dr. Roberts asked the Board to consider the three-part plan as <br />presented and recommended by the Task Force. <br /> <br /> The Board recognized Patsy Beeker, President of Cabarrus CARES, for <br />comments. Ms. Beeker discussed the need for the auxiliary spay/neuter <br />program in addition to the new spay/neuter clinic that the Humane Society is <br />opening. She stressed the importance of addressing pet overpopulation and <br />stated that many persons, due to difficult economic times, cannot afford to <br />pay for spay/neuter or vaccination costs for their pets. Ms. Beeker also <br />described the difficulties experienced by two of her clients in getting <br />medical attention and food for their pets. <br /> <br /> UPON MOTION of Commissioner Carpenter, seconded by Acting Chairman <br />Carruth and unanimously carried, the Board accepted the recommendations of <br /> <br /> <br />